Editor’s Note: I know that I am preaching to the choir when I say that there are certain automobiles that are universally adored by automotive aficionados. One such car that is held in such high esteem is the 1965 Jaguar XKE. Enzo Ferrari claimed that the most beautiful automobile ever designed and constructed is the Jaguar E-Type. Who are we to argue at such an assessment? RM Auctions, thanks for permitting Monterey Car Week to publish the words and photos on this spectacular example of the marque. It crossed the block at the January 2015 RM Auctions Arizona event and garnered $280,500. Wow!
Photo Credit: Patrick Ernzen ©2015 Courtesy of RM Auctions
1965 Jaguar XKE
265 bhp, 4,235 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine with triple HD8 SU carburetors, four-speed manual transmission with full synchromesh, independent front suspension with transverse wishbones, torsion bars, telescopic shocks, and an anti-roll bar, independent rear suspension with lower transverse tubular links and twin coil springs, and four-wheel Dunlop twin-circuit hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 96 in.
- Freshly restored in beautiful colors
- Original matching-numbers engine
- Desirable hardtop and wire wheels and subtle mechanical upgrades
- An outstanding driver’s E-Type
1965 Jaguar XKE
Jaguar’s E-Type debuted to universal applause at the March 1961 Geneva Motor Show, but further development continued, and for the 1965 model, the gearbox was given full synchros and the seat backs were made adjustable. A new brake booster was also adopted, and the engine was enlarged to 4.2 liters, resulting in greater torque, which made for better tractability in every-day driving.
The car retained its pure form, with no external changes being made, but it was now more comfortable and responsive on the road. Road & Track enthused that it was “possible to drive at 15 mph in fourth gear without jerking or back-lashing,” all the while achieving up to 21 mpg. But for many, its greatest asset was that it looked the part and that nothing else looked like it. Whether labeled E-Type or XK-E, as it was sold in the United States, it made a statement about its owner and all who rode in it.
Not long afterwards, the onslaught of safety and emissions regulations began having their way with the E-Type, resulting in the alteration of both its appearance and its performance. For this reason, these Series 1 cars, built from 1961 to 1966, are most highly prized.
The first-series Roadster offered here is noted on its JDHT Certificate, a copy of which is on file, as being a matching-numbers car with its original body, chassis, and engine. It was freshly restored by the consignor and refinished in its original color, Silver-Blue, with its interior changed from black to the present dark blue. The hardtop was refinished in the body color, and six-inch-wide wire wheels shod in Michelin tires were mounted. Mechanically, the car has been upgraded with an alloy radiator, a large fan (to avoid cooling problems), and a differential rebuilt with 3.23:1 gears, while a 15-inch steering wheel allows more room for the driver. The consignor believes that the 56,000 miles showing are original.
This sparkling E-Type has been beautifully prepared for a new owner to drive and enjoy, and it is certainly among the nicest offered today.
